claim to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'claim to be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone makes a statement about their own identity, beliefs, or capabilities. For example, "The job applicant claimed to be highly experienced in web development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many claim to be innocent.

The New York Times - Magazine

French bankers often claim to be misunderstood.

The Economist

They all claim to be horrified.

The Economist

"I don't claim to be fearless.

The New York Times - Sports

SOME people claim to be fearless.

The New York Times

The two leaders claim to be ready.

The Economist

Kansas can therefore claim to be "winning".

The Economist

I can't claim to be as Zen.

The New York Times

Both men claim to be innocent.

The New York Times

"I don't claim to be an artist.

The New York Times - Science

They claim to be "really shy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "allege", "assert", or "profess" if you want to subtly shift the nuance or emphasis of the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "claim to be" repeatedly in a short span of text without providing supporting evidence or alternative perspectives. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less credible. Instead, vary your language and offer additional information to support or challenge the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "claim to be" functions as a verbal phrase used to express an assertion or statement made by someone, often without confirming its truth. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it introduces an element of skepticism or neutrality towards the claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "claim to be" is a versatile verbal phrase used to introduce statements or assertions, often with an implication of uncertainty or the need for verification. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in news and media, where it's crucial to report claims objectively. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. While highly frequent, effective writing involves knowing when to opt for alternatives like "allege" or "assert" to add nuance or avoid repetition. Using "claim to be" effectively means being mindful of context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allege to be

Focuses more on asserting something without providing definitive proof. It suggests a stronger degree of doubt or contestation than "claim to be".

profess to be

Implies openly declaring something, often with a sense of formality or even affectation. It may suggest a more outward or performative declaration.

purport to be

Suggests a pretense or outward appearance of being something, which may or may not be genuine. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

maintain to be

Indicates a continued assertion or belief, even in the face of opposition or doubt. It emphasizes the persistence of the claim.

assert to be

Highlights the act of stating something confidently and forcefully. It emphasizes the speaker's conviction in the truth of the claim.

pretend to be

Focuses specifically on the act of pretending or feigning something. It indicates a deliberate attempt to create a false impression.

profess oneself to be

A more formal and emphatic way of declaring one's identity or status. It emphasizes the personal declaration of the claim.

declare oneself to be

Similar to 'profess oneself to be,' but with a stronger emphasis on making a formal or official declaration.

avow to be

Emphasizes a sincere and solemn declaration of belief or intent. It suggests a strong commitment to the claim being made.

represented as being

Highlights how something is presented or perceived by others. It focuses on the external representation rather than the internal claim.

FAQs

How do I use "claim to be" in a sentence?

"Claim to be" is used to express that someone asserts something, often without definitive proof. For instance, "He "claims to be" a direct descendant of royalty" indicates his assertion, not necessarily its truth.

What's the difference between "claim to be" and "is"?

"Is" indicates a fact or certainty, while "claim to be" implies an assertion that may or may not be true. Saying "He is a doctor" states a known fact, but "He "claims to be" a doctor" suggests his statement needs verification.

What can I say instead of "claim to be"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "claim to be" include "allege to be", "assert to be", or "profess to be". These alternatives can subtly change the nuance of the statement.

When should I use "claim to be" versus "pretend to be"?

"Claim to be" is used when someone asserts something about themselves or someone else, while "pretend to be" indicates a deliberate act of deception or imitation. "He "claims to be" a hero" suggests he says he's a hero, but "He "pretends to be" a hero" indicates he's acting like one without actually being one.